Ruth Buzzi, the beloved comedic powerhouse best known for her unforgettable role as the sharp-tongued Gladys Ormphby on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, has passed away at the age of 88.
Her longtime agent, Mike Eisenstadt, confirmed to the Associated Press that Buzzi died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday at her home in Texas. She had been under hospice care, battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
In her final days, Buzzi’s husband, Kent Perkins, shared a heartfelt message on her official Facebook page, thanking the many fans who stood by her with love and support throughout her remarkable life and career.
“July 24, 1936 – May 1, 2025”
A true pioneer in sketch comedy, Buzzi’s character work on Laugh-In earned her a Golden Globe and cemented her as one of television’s most enduring funny women. Her physical comedy, razor-sharp timing, and expressive performances made her a household name and brought joy to millions.
Memorial services are being handled by Lacy Funeral Home in Stephenville, Texas, with further details to be announced. In honor of Buzzi’s legacy, her family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org in lieu of flowers.
Ruth Buzzi leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and indelible charm that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Born on July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, and raised in the quaint village of Wequetequock, Connecticut, Ruth Buzzi was destined for the stage. She was the daughter of Angelo Buzzi, a Swiss-born stone sculptor, whose artistry and dedication no doubt inspired her own creative spirit.
Ruth’s passion for performing led her to the renowned Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts in California, where she graduated with honors in 1957. From there, she hit the ground running—touring with legendary crooner Rudy Vallee and appearing in a string of off-Broadway revues alongside rising stars like Dom DeLuise and Carol Burnett.
National recognition came in the 1960s through appearances on The Garry Moore Show and The Steve Allen Comedy Hour. But it was in 1968 that Buzzi truly captured America’s heart, joining the cast of NBC’s groundbreaking Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. As the only performer to appear in every episode, she became a household name with her unforgettable portrayal of Gladys Ormphby—the feisty, purse-swinging spinster who regularly fended off the lecherous Tyrone F. Horneigh, played by Arte Johnson. Her performance earned her five Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe in 1973.
Buzzi’s talent stretched far beyond sketch comedy. On stage, she performed in the Broadway production of Sweet Charity (1966), and on screen, she brought charm and humor to films like Freaky Friday (1976) and The North Avenue Irregulars (1979). Television viewers loved her guest appearances on The Carol Burnett Show, That Girl, and The Dean Martin Show.
Her voice became a staple in animated classics, including The Smurfs, Pound Puppies, and The Berenstain Bears. And from 1993 to 2001, she became a beloved figure to children everywhere as shopkeeper Ruthie on Sesame Street.
Through every role she took on, Ruth Buzzi brought a unique blend of warmth, wit, and timeless humor that spanned generations.
Off-screen, Ruth Buzzi found lasting love with actor Kent Perkins, whom she married in 1978. In 2003, the couple embraced a quieter life, relocating to a sprawling 600-acre ranch in Texas. There, surrounded by open skies and classic charm, they shared a passion for collecting vintage automobiles and enjoying the peace of country living.
Beyond her comedic brilliance, Buzzi was also a gifted painter. Her vibrant artwork reflected the same creative spirit that defined her performances, and she generously donated many of her pieces to support charitable causes.
In 2021, after more than six decades in the entertainment industry, Buzzi officially retired from acting. Not long after, she began facing serious health challenges, suffering strokes in 2022 and later being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite these hardships, she remained surrounded by love, comfort, and the admiration of countless fans whose lives she had touched.